Jennycakes: Treats that Catch the Eye and Stick to the Tongue

After five-and-a-half years, Jennycakes finally has a permanent home in Clarendon Hills and what was once playtime between a mother and her children is now a cake shop whipping up creations worthy of a reality show.

“Originally, I was just making cakes for friends and family but I became more serious and I hooked up with Chef Jonathon Jordan,” said Jenny Surowiec, owner of the pastry shop.

Jordan, from France, said that although his roots are in traditional pastries, he enjoys the creativity of Jennycakes.

“It's always art and it's always what I wanted to do,” he said. “It is a different recipe over here though—more sugar and different flavors.”

Surowiec said the combination of her designs and Jordan's culinary expertise create cakes that are “as delicious to eat as they are exciting to look at.”

Although Surowiec started with cakes, she branched into cupcakes, mostly to “fill the display shelves.” She said the cupcakes became hot sellers and although she thought the fad may be on its way out, the cupcakes have remained top-sellers. Other sweet treats include colorful cookies and lollicakes (like little cupcakes on a stick).

Although the digs are not entirely new to Jennycakes, it is the first time they have called the storefront their own; they originally rented a little space from the Irish bakery that was previously there.

Jordan interned with the previous bakery, and then Jennycakes, before he was eventually hired on as chef.

“There are a lot of late nights and we're here seven days a week,” Suroviec said. “But we turn on some music or TV and just have fun baking.”

And there is plenty of baking to do. Any event that can be celebrated with a piece of cake, Jennycakes can make the cake to celebrate. Although the shop can do some very extravagant cakes, Surowiec said every single one is tailor-made to what the customer wants.

“We come up with most of the flavors, but the inspiration for most of our designs come from the customers themselves and they are usually really good,” Surowiec said.

She added that even for customers who want something traditional or simple, or have no idea what they want, Jennycakes can bake the cake that will make any occasion memorable.

Surowiec said business has been very strong and expansion is certainly a possibility in the company's future. She said the customer base is already spilling out of Clarendon Hills and into neighboring communities, but there is still one thing missing.

“We aren't getting the walk-in traffic I thought we would,” Surowiec said. “I think people just don't realize that they can come in and get a box of cookies, or a dozen cupcakes, or even just one cupcake.”

Jennycakes is located on Prospect, attached to the Starbucks, and is open every day except Monday. Plan a party or a reception, or just pop in and experience some baking that rises into art. It'll be a treat for the taste buds and alluring to the eyes.